This was my first official photo shoot since October 26, 2009 (I’ll write more on this later), and what a muggy morning to jump back in the saddle! This mom has her hands full with a 2 1/2 year old and a 15 month old. Little Brody didn’t want to be without his pacifier, so mom would yank it out and I would snap away as fast as I could! Jackson family, this is just a little sneak peek, hope you like what you see!

This was a fun shoot – really laid back and yet up for anything I suggested. It was a beautiful day and even this horse cooperated! At most, I was expecting to have horses in the background of some of the photos, but the horse was hungry and nosy, so he ambled over. Mandy and Michelle are sisters and both are seniors in high school this year. Look how beautiful they are:

I had the pleasure of meeting this wonderful family last week at the Horticultural Gardens. I took so many photos that it has been difficult to narrow down just a few to post on this blog, but here goes:

Every time I drive to Raleigh, I pass by an assortment of farms and abandoned buildings that capture my attention and imagination. I was headed to Raleigh last week and I decided I would finally do it – I would pull over on the side of the road and take some pictures! My son recently turned 7 and I wanted to get some photos to mark the occasion and he was excited about the locations. My daughter, of course, assumes that every picture should have her in it, so we got some photos of her too.

MaryAnn and Bill were married on a very hot Saturday at the Old Buggy Inn in Carthage. MaryAnn was a beautiful bride and Bill couldn’t stop looking at her. Every time I would ask them to face each other or look at each other, they would sneak a kiss – so sweet!

Anyone who celebrates a 50th wedding anniversary is a hero in my book, not to mention a role model! Just think of the countless worries, heartaches, joys and everyday moments that are experienced in 50 years of being married. My husband and I have been married for 12 1/2 years and have experienced so much together already, it is hard to fathom what 38 more years will bring! I am somewhat of a romantic, but I’m also a realist. Staying married for 50 years takes a lot of dedication and perseverance when times get tough. It also takes a lot of love and selflessness.

I had the honor to meet my two newest heroes on Sunday – Mr. and Mrs. Weston had just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and had their children in town for the celebration. They clearly wanted family portraits, but I managed to get some photos of just the two of them! I really love this photo of their hands: